It is now four years since the great East Japan earthquake and tsunami, and in addition to the almost 20,000 who died or remain missing, there are still a great many hardships being suffered as a result of the disaster. It is perhaps unsurprising that it is the region closest to the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear power plant that the consequences are still the worst – people still find themselves re-located to distant temporary accommodation because they can’t return to their homes due to continuing radiation, and even if they could, their homes are now falling into serious disrepair, and many houses have been ransacked by burglers, and even wild boars and other wildlife. There are villages which are gradually becoming habitable again, so people could return, but many will not, as they have become semi-settled into work in the places where they have been relocated. Consequently, many of the businesses associated with a thriving town stand no chance of reviving, such as restaurants or fish-processors, because enough people will not return to the towns for them to be viable. With that prospect, even as hopeful people return, such business-owners stand no chance of being granted the loans they would need to rebuild and refurbish their businesses. Through no fault of their own, the people who once lived happy lives around Fukishima Dai-Ichi have found themselves as helpless refugees, unable to return to their former lives, and finding themselves powerless to stop the inexorable crumbling-away of what little structure of their former lives remains, struggling to stave-off the withering of whatever faint hope may remain of a way back to the happy lives they once knew.

…and there is no-one to blame. There is no war, no invading force to castigate; it’s not even as if the earthquake or even the tsunami could be vilified for this tragic loss, as the areas where the damage was limited to those natural forces are continuing to heal, to re-build – the evil here is silent, invisible radio-activity, conjured-up by the catastrophic failure of a utility’s machinery, technology which was supposed to serve and enrich human life continuing to poison it.

There can be no doubt that a great many tears of loss have been shed by the people of Fukushima, as well as tears of frustration at the incredible, immutable unfairness of it all – as good an example as has ever been seen of bad things happening to good people for no reason – it’s absolutely heart-rending.

And yet, Kendo points out that there is a great deal to learn from contemplating and understanding this situation, but that it needs to be done intiuitively, rather than intellectually. Karma and destiny may be fine as concepts for mentally “getting a handle on” some of life’s inexplicable complications, but a tragedy as vast and as human as that of the people of Fukushima really puts our own situations into perspective – few of us can have lost so much and suffered for so long, nor have such bleak futures to look forward to. Do the people of Fukushima have some magical formula for dealing with tragedy?

Probably not, but Kendo points out that they may be helped by their faith: Buddhism – it’s the faith of Japan. One of the fundamental precepts of Buddhism is that attachment must be transcended, because it causes suffering. When something we’re attached to is taken away, it is a natural reaction that we suffer, unless we have begun to free ourselves from this dynamic. Kendo concedes that learning such deep strengths is not easy or quick, but it’s the enlightened choice to do so. And, continuing the intuitively-aware way of contemplating those things from which we can learn, simply understanding the attachment dynamic must not make us cold to those who are suffering – as with the people of Fukushima, loss may be overwhelmingly enormous, and protracted, and have no end in sight, so Kendo tells us that such suffering must never be reduced to a neat, reasoned bundle – we must welcome its potential to richly empower us by awakening our perspective and compassion.

So, this Friday 13th, when Kendo strikes his singing bowl at 13:13 hours UK time and meditates on those in need of healing, join with him in sending renewing and empowering energy to all those who have asked him for healing, as well as those in Fukushima, so that the healing energies of nature reach them and help them to feel that even though they’ve lost so much, the universe still cares for them, and is actively willing them towards happiness.

Gambatte Fukushima – Kendo Nagasaki and his followers wish you the very best, and to keep on keeping on.

~　プロレス元世界チャンピオン　ケンドー・ナガサキ氏から
東日本大震災被災者に向けてのメッセージ　~

およそ20,000人もの死者と行方不明者を出した東日本大震災から４年が経ちました。
被災者の中でも最も被害を受けたのは、福島第一原発付近に住んでいた方々です。
自宅に戻ることもできず、遠く離れた地域に住むことを余儀なくされている被災者は、何十万人にも及びます。
また、被災前には繁華街だったところも現在は過疎化が進み、本当の意味での復興は前途多難な状況にあります。
幸せに暮らしていた人々は、一晩で家も故郷も失っしまいました。
どうすれば、以前の暮らしに戻れるのでしょうか？
一番辛いことは、戦争のように敵を作ったこともなく、被災者は何も悪いことをしていないのにもかかわらず多大な被害を被った、ということです。
被災した町は、毎日少しずつ復興に向かって前進していますが、その一方で今でも放射能への不安の中にあります。
皮肉にも、放射能問題の原因となった技術は、人々の生活に役立つものであったはずなのに、今では人々を苦しめています。

イギリス国民は、福島の被災者の苦しみを共感しています。
イギリスのことわざに「Sometimes, bad things happen to good people for no reason（善人は、悪事を働かずして被害を受けることがある）」という言葉があります。これは人の世の不条理さを意味しています。

東日本大震災の事を想うと、様々な見習うべき点があると考えます。
人というものは、困っているときにはカルマや運命を考えてしまうものですが、震災はあまりに残酷でこれに当てはまるべきものではありません。
イギリス国民は、福島程の大規模な被災は一度も経験したことがありませんし、福島の方々のように前向きに生活を送るということも想像すらできません。
このことから、私たちにとって福島県民はまるで超人のように思えてしまうのですが、彼らは同じ人間なのです。
ケンドー・ナガサキは、それは日本人の仏教的考えに基づいたものだと考えます。
「絆」をとても大切にすることは、仏教の教えの一つです。
この絆はお互いを想う愛情に基づくものなので、愛するものを失ってしまったときに悲劇は起こります。
しかし、私たちは生きていくうえで悲しみを避けることなどできません。
そのため、悲劇に立ち向かうためにも、日々心の準備をすることが大切です。
それは簡単なことではありませんが、悲しみを乗り越えたとき、人は強くなります。
イギリス国民はもっと強くなるため、被災者の方々を見習うべきです。

ケンドー・ナガサキは、今月13日13時13分に鈴（りん）を鳴らし、東北の被災者を想い、人々に癒しが与えられるよう祈りました。
世界中の人々が、被災者がどれだけ厳しい状況に身を置かれているのかを憂い、一日も早く復興できるように祈っています。
福島のみなさん、がんばってください。
ケンドー・ナガサキのチームは、一日も早い復興を心よりお祈りいたします。

(Many thanks to Chris Gould in Tokyo for this translation.)

February is considered to be the beginning of spring in Japan, and it therefore symbolises the start of the growing season, and the promise of plentiful harvests after a warm and benevolent summer.

February also heralds the Lunar New Year in the East. Just as in the West, where we refer to the planets and constellations in Astrology, in the East, there is a 12-year sequence of animals to represent the differing influences acting upon us on the Earth plane, and this year in Japan it is the Year of the Sheep.

In contrast to the energy and drive of the preceding year – the year of the Horse – the Sheep has an entirely different set of energies. It represents plenty of ability, intelligence, and the potential for very productive cooperation, but it is a sign which definitely calls for discrimination.

Kendo points out that in Sheep years, there are potentially things around us which would seek to deceive us, and we may see lots of self-serving activity in others which we may find disappointing. This illustrates that in Sheep years, we need to be highly discriminating, careful, and selective, and we must avoid resenting those things of which we may disapprove and have no power to change.

Kendo tells us that by cultivating the right mind-set through meditation, we stand to benefit a great deal in Sheep years. Above all, we need strength – strength of conviction, strength in our right motives, strength to be clear and not distracted by nonsense, and strength to help lead others when they may not be able to find their own strength. All these things, Kendo points out, are aspects of Bushido, which should come naturally to the true spiritual warrior. In doing all this, we not only heal ourselves, but much that is around us also.

However, as we are all under the influence of the Sheep, we will need to remain vigilant to ensure that we are staying on the right track, that our thoughts are clear, and that our meditations are deep and empowering, so that what we allow into our minds and intentions is true.

Thus inspired by the spiritual samurai, we can capitalise upon the intelligence and potential for joint endeavour which exists in the year of the Sheep, and by being spiritually vigilant, we will greatly strengthen and refine our essential essences. We will find that many are receptive to us, and if we have the right message and the right foundation, we will be a true force for progress.

Therefore, with the promise of spring arriving in February, and with the refining and discriminating impetus of the Year of the Sheep, we can begin this new Lunar year with optimism and determination. By being thus inspired by Kendo Nagasaki, we will be strong and positive and influential in a time which could deliver nebulous and confusing challenges to those around us.

May the Way of the Warrior guide and inspire you always.

Welcome to a New Year!

Kendo has particularly positive wishes for all those seeking healing at this time of year, that the symbolism of the New Year will mean a particularly energetic new beginning for everyone who who has asked him for healing.

Of course, at the New Year, we see the potential in all of nature – leaves are scant, to be found only on evergreens, and any kind of blossom is absent, yet within every single one of the great many plants and trees in the grounds of The Retreat, it is possible to feel the ever growing and immense energy of nature, preparing for an explosion into expression in the spring. 2015 will mark the first spring when the new cherry tree orchard at The Retreat will come into full bloom, but for the moment they are leafless twigs, and yet, in these cold, rainy, short days, each one of the new trees positively radiates the energy of its patiently-contained power – it’s inspiring.

One of the reasons that cherry blossom is so admired in Japan is because, while astonishingly beautiful, it has such a short life. This results in its ephemeral beauty being appreciated on another level altogether; the time when there is no cherry blossom is far greater than the time for which we are blessed with this beautiful spectacle, and yet, so great is its beauty that even calling its image to mind allows us to feel all over again the wonder of that great beauty. Thus, even when it’s not there, the beauty of the cherry blossom can continue to delight and inspire us – all we need do is call it to our mind’s eye.

That each plant and tree contains so much irrepressible energy and drive towards self-actualisation makes it easy to contemplate the spirits of nature at work within each one; these are the “kami”, the spirits of nature, in Buddhism, the energies which gladly help us on our journeys towards enlightenment. As is made clear at so many of the ceremonies which take place here at The Retreat, it is so important to visualise yourself as a joyous participant in the irrepressibly-positive big picture of spiritual nature. For a while, cast off your mental picture of yourself as a rationalising being, and meditate upon your own one-ness with this amazing, positive current of nature.

Kendo reminds us that during the cold and dark of the winter, look at nature around you and into your intuitive self, and you will find that you are entirely surrounded by irrepressible natural energies which, even if currently hidden, are inexorably moving towards self-actualisation and expression, each an essential part of a glorious natural whole – as are you. Even entertaining this as a symbolism is healing, and meditating upon it much more so.

As we approach the end of the year, it’s a good time to follow the Japanese tradition of inclining our awareness towards new beginnings, and this time, Kendo suggests taking a particularly meditative perspective.

In seated Zen meditation, Zazen, we let everything fall away – body, mind, everything – so that all that remains is an eternal, timeless peace. Whilst exquisite in itself, this process has the effect of breaking un-necessary connections to potentially negative energies, and consequently opening the vision to new possibilities, which may otherwise have been obscured by unproductive (and actually unnecessary) worries.

Such persisting connections to worry are very real examples of attachment, which Buddhism encourages us to let go of: let go of attachment, and you let go of suffering. It’s more subtle than these words convey, though – even having an enduring opinion about ourselves or our situations or the world around us can effectively freeze us in a state where our greatest asset – the dynamism of intuition – is excluded, shut out, unable to penetrate the walls of worry which we erect.

Kendo states that understanding this dynamic can make meditation an immensely more powerful process – once we come back from the oasis of meditative peace, our minds have been “re-booted”, and are not weighed down with ongoing trails of concern, and this is the important part – allow those things which are important in life to rise in profile in your awareness, but you don’t need to take up the attitudes towards them which have formed over time – allow your clean and clear consciousness to re-assess them on their own merits, in this new clear light. One can hardly avoid the pressing immediacies of life, but by casting off the negative ways in which they attach themselves to us, we see them anew, gain a fresh perspective on them, and new possibilities present themselves to us.

The New Year is traditionally an opportunity to look at life anew, but those who meditate enjoy this liberating and empowering process regularly, and consequently, their lives are blessed by optimism, inspiration, and opportunity. Kendo would recommend that even if you don’t meditate, consider the example of the New Year’s “new broom” approach to our whole lives as being a process which we can use much more frequently, and the benefits of doing so will yield astonishingly positive results, in every area of our lives. (…you should seriously consider meditating, though!)

Here’s to a great New Year for all, and a newly enlightened and empowered outlook on life every day!

Today, Kendo Nagasaki celebrates his 50th Anniversary since first appearing on the British Professional Wrestling scene.

As a spirit guide, Kendo is, of course, timeless, but for the man behind his mask, such an anniversary marks a remarkable achievement in terms of health, strength, and endurance.

By following the principles he learned in his teens from legendary Japanese judoka Ken’shiro Abbe, Yogensha, the man behind the mask, in his 50 years service to Kendo has never missed a wrestling match due to ill-health, he has coped with every single one of countless physical attacks, and even today, half a century later, he remains dynamic, determined, and motivated, putting the efforts of much younger people to shame!

Whilst Yogensha is a private man outside of his service to Kendo Nagasaki, his perpetual dynamism is an inspiration to those who know him, so much so that he is an excellent example of whatever it is that motivates him… and what is that?

At the foundation of Yogensha’s life since his teens is the first technique that Abbe introduced him to – meditation. The central principle of Zen “zazen” seated meditation is to let everything fall away – mind falls away, and body falls away – and it would seem that as part of this practice, many of the root causes of illness and disease also fall away. Science has revealed that stress and worry have links to the onset of illness, and whilst one needs to deal responsibly with the issues in life, and worrying about them is a normal reaction, if we can set that worry aside, it seems to lose its corrosive effect.

Zazen achieves this effect, and much more, and is disarmingly simple yet surprisingly powerful; “Nah – it can’t be that simple!”, you might say, but despite the busy-busy conscious mind tempting you to endlessly rattle things around inside it, you may have already realised that the mind has limitations, and won’t give up even when it’s out of its depth.

This is where you take charge, and effectively “re-boot” yourself through zazen. Just as with your computer, clearing out the rubbish and starting again, clean and clear, is magnificently empowering, and the results of such practice can be seen in the quality of Yogensha’s service to Kendo Nagasaki.

It was Abbe who ordered Yogensha’s thoughts and introduced him to meditation, and Kendo who reinforced its value, having been a Zen Buddhist in his past lives in ancient Japan, and as part of his wish to empower as many people as possible, he would recommend it to you, too.

So, Kendo’s healing message for November is to be ready to become empowered in mind and body through the benefits of meditating; he has seen its benefits in countless people over many centuries, and what has worked so well for Yogensha can work equally well for you. Just don’t let your mind convince you that it knows best! You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain by following this recommendation of Kendo’s.

Every October in Kyoto a huge festival is held at the Heian Shrine. Celebrating the history of the city, characters in costumes from the 1100 years that Kyoto was Japan’s capital form a parade which takes over 2 hours to watch from beginning to end! It’s truly spectacular, but, as with so many festivals in Japan, the celebrations are held at a shrine because thanks are given for blessings received, and prayers are offered for future positive things in life.

As Kendo has pointed out elsewhere, there are many things which we simply cannot know on an intellectual level, and this is why so many people have faith. Kendo has also given the example of being eclectic, considering multiple view-points in order to broaden and deepen our understandings, and this is one of the main reasons he brings Japanese religion to the West.

For example, Japan has both temples and shrines, the former associated with Buddhism, and the latter associated with Japan’s unique indigenous religion, Shinto. Shinto encourages harmony with nature and society, and there is nothing wrong in asking the Shinto deities to grant you health, safety, and success for yourself and others; the blessings which Shinto offers apply to the here-and-now, and it’s absolutely fine to ask for them. Buddhism can perhaps be described as dealing with understandings beyond this world – enlightenment which transcends consciousness.

From a healing perspective, Kendo recommends that we see ourselves as part of a dynamic system of inter-related energies; the spark of one’s own life is surrounded by many others in nature, and they should all be considered as supportively as we would wish to be. We have just as much right to health and happiness as any other, and it’s ok to ask for positive energy to flow to ourselves, as long as we are ready to give it out ourselves. Kendo has mentioned the power of symbolism, and the imagery he describes here is more important for its symbolic meaning than as an intellectual concept, so we must be ready to let go of the restrictions of rationality alone.

Based on all the foregoing, Kendo’s healing message for October is to let ourselves be open to all possible perspectives of energy, of spirituality, to be grateful for what we have, to be ready to ask for more in this life whilst being ready to give more, to have the humility to appreciate the majesty of nature and the universe around us, and even to celebrate the good things we have achieved. If we can be positive in all these ways, all the unseen energies around us will reciprocate, and support us.

One of the lesser-known things about the spirit guide Kendo Nagasaki is something that perhaps should be obvious – as a samurai in his past lives in ancient Japan, he was a Buddhist. In both of the two past lives he has described, he found himself on the path to enlightenment characterised by Zen Buddhism, most dramatically during his life in Kamakura, when Zen was new in Japan and evolved expressions particular to the samurai. In contrast to the peace of seated meditation also existed challenging the consciousness with the sheer intensity of existence, with loud and physical expressions of spontaneity, and, of course, with the unfathomable koans.

As diverse as Zen is, that of Buddhism is even greater, and one of its most fundamental aspects is its ancient healing tradition. This was one of the first aspects of Buddhism to develop in Japan – Yakushi Nyorai, or the Medicine Buddha, came to be revered throughout Japan, not only for the well-being of individuals, but also for the whole nation. This influence continues to this day – of the 88 temples on the Shikoku Ohenro pilgrimage, the second greatest number of temples dedicated to a particular aspect of the Buddha are those dedicated to Yakushi, after Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy.

With his characteristic medicine jar in his left hand, Yakushi became a Buddha beseeched for relief from and protection against ailments, but his right hand also expressed something of great importance in healing – the affirmation to “Fear Not”. Modern science has shown that worry elevates cortisol stress-hormone levels, which is not good when you are trying to heal – in favouring our fight-or-flight capacity, cortisols impede peripheral blood-flow and cell regeneration, and inhibit the absorption of nutrients from food, so we should certainly be as peaceful and un-fearful as possible when seeking to heal. Yakushi has been imparting this essential wisdom since as long ago as the 6th century AD…

Kendo will be telling us much more about Yakushi the Medicine Buddha in the future, but for the time being, it will help all in need of healing to imagine a peaceful seated Buddha, a small medicine jar resting on his outstretched left palm, and his right hand raised, palm towards you, gently assuring you to fear not. Even the mighty samurai occasionally needed healing, and they sought the Medicine Buddha’s dual gift of healing and secure peace.

Kendo’s healing message for September is, therefore: draw positive energy from the image of Yakushi – be well, and fear not.

As the Obon festival is celebrated every August in Japan, it’s appropriate that it’s re-visited here in Kendo’s Healing Blog, considered this year with some reflections from a different perspective.

Kendo points out that the fundamental Buddhist consideration regarding Obon is the return to the earthly plane of the souls of our ancestors, and the feeling that we may once more be close to them and feel their wisdom and influence. In Japan, witnessing the ways in which people relate to their ancestors during Obon can be both surprising and delightful – there is a typically Japanese reverence towards and respect for the ancestors (filial piety – remember your Bushido!), but they are also told the family’s news in a familiar and matter-of-fact way, as if they were still actually physically present, and offering opinions.

This latter aspect is very healthy, as it allows the supportive dynamic of the relationship that existed during the relative’s life to continue as if unbroken, and, in a spiritual sense, this really is the case. In the west, there is a tendency to feel that following the “ashes to ashes, dust to dust” ritual, our relatives are somehow out of reach, but spiritually, this is not the case.

There’s no denying that moving on from the sense of loss of a loved one’ passing takes time and requires growth and evolution of the self, but what they still have to give should not be overshadowed by that sense of loss. It’s the right thing to do to see that sense of loss for what it is – a temporary hurt – and allow it to drift away, and to remember instead the enduringly positive things about our departed relatives, considering them to be as dynamic as they ever were, as involved with our lives as they ever were, and for their wisdom and inspiring perspectives to be as available as they ever were.

This Obon, Kendo recommends that we respectfully welcome the souls of our ancestors back to the earth, and then have a good chat with them! This way, they will never actually die, but will continue to inspire and motivate and empower us.

On the occasion of July’s Distant Healing Ceremony, Kendo is also holding an Event at his Retreat. As before, a group of specially-selected guests will be present at The Retreat to experience the Nagasaki wisdom first-hand, and join in with the enlightening and empowering experiences he has devised.

There is a theme to each event, and, as all the guests at Kendo’s Event are invited to join in with the Distant Healing Ceremony, it is appropriate that the theme for this Event also applies to the Healing Message for July.

The theme of the Event and this month’s Healing Message is the power of affirmation.

Kendo has advised that in healing, there are 2 principal approaches to affirmations – there can be affirmations in pursuit of wellness, and also affirmations in pursuit of understanding – and often they can be considered together.

It has been said that a need for healing can reflect an imbalance between the soul and nature, and somehow the balance needs to be restored. In such cases, adjustments in lifestyle can often bring about this re-balancing, and the path towards finding this newly-adjusted balance represents part of a soul’s journey towards discrimination and right-living – an evolution of wisdom.

In other cases, an injury or a short-term illness like a cold or ‘flu can bring about a sudden cessation of the usual lifestyle and activities; with karma recognised as being an invisible guiding framework for the circumstances in which we find ourselves, it’s sensible to use the recovery time from an injury or infection to examine what destiny may be trying to tell us, what we may have overlooked thus far, and now need to become aware of.

In both the former cases, an affirmation to become well and strong again is appropriate, particularly if one has responsibilities towards others, but one should also be ready to seek understanding for the break in regular life. Kendo has said that the onset of illness can be more than a wake-up call, and may be a somewhat profound tap on the shoulder, and perhaps the most meaningful affirmation a person can make when in need of healing would be one which seeks to be fully receptive to what the experience is trying to tell them.

As in all other aspects of life, Kendo thus illustrates that awareness of and sensitivity towards the dynamics of life, perhaps especially its challenges, will ensure that life is the most rich and rewarding experience that it can possibly be.

For this healing ceremony, therefore, our affirmations are for wellness, as well as for receptivity to the wisdom behind our challenges – and that open-ness to such wisdom always accompanies our healing.

In Japan (Tokyo, specifically) during June is the Sanno Matsuri, one of the main features of which is a ritual which cleanses one of sins, even unconscious ones. As in other such rituals, sins are passed on to a doll, leaving one cleansed and free from the consequences of sin, peaceful and happy.

Such practises often have a basis in the Shinto faith, and are usually accompanied by aspiration and devotion at a Buddhist altar in pursuit of meeting the highest hopes that our ancestors might have had for us.

The pan-theism of Shinto has parallels with ancient British Paganism, just as Buddha was the best possible example of the most enlightened possible conduct – he is the East’s highest example of good conduct and equivalent to the image called to mind when Westerners ask, “What would Jesus do?”

However, Buddha was a man, not a god or a prophet per se, and as such, the ways he espoused were rational and ethical, and the foundation of practises which can be appreciated even by those who might consider themselves athiests or agnostics.

This touches upon an important existential question: because we are inescapably part of the human condition, and often subject to happenings which defy reason and even fairness, is it necessary to have a faith? Are the adversities of life trying to show us that we should have a faith? It can certainly be helpful to blame an uncaring god for the problems which befall us!

Kendo Nagasaki would point out that even though the human mind must certainly be stilled from time to time, it is a considerable ally in making sense of life. It’s a good idea to take a leaf from the book of Shintoists and Pagans, and acknowledge that however much we know about a seed becoming a tree, that it happens at all is still a miracle of nature; and likewise, the Buddhist (and Bushido) practice of respecting what our ancestors would have wanted for us is an excellent form of pro-social motivation. And, of course, both Buddha and Christ remain ideals to which to aspire.

In light of these arguments, what Kendo would have us consider is that while it is not necessary to “sign-up” to an orthodox, structured religion, the human condition is eased greatly by respecting the invisible yet miraculous forces of nature, and by having regard for the intangible yet enduring hopes of our ancestors. These add up to a humility towards certain crucial forces of life, and great strength and peace can come from such conscientious consideration of these more subtle aspects of the world around us.

…and the act of passing sins on to a doll? Even this time-honoured tradition can be seen as an aspiration, a gesture which symbolises a further level of concern for rightness, harmony, and well-being, to be taken advantage of when the festival comes around.

Kendo observes that the human condition – however it is challenged – is ideally about reflecting upon all possible perspectives, reasoning them through and meditating upon them, in life-long pursuit of the wisest possible world-view. Ironically, done right, it may be possible to have faith in the outcome of such an approach, which, even without (or in addition to) practising an orthodox religion, could well be described as living most spiritually.